IHMM Today is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management® (IHMM®).
Other than content specifically provided by IHMM, articles contained in IHMM Today are compiled from
independent sources and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHMM.
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The Value of IHMM Credentials
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CHMM, CHMP, CDGT, CDGP, AHMM, Student CHMM, CSHM, CSMP, CSSM, ASHM and Student ASHM certificant’s MYIHMM account. Every IHMM certificant may use these badges, linked as those below are to their IHMM credential page, for their email signatures, business cards, and other social media applications. You’re justifiably proud of the accomplishment of having earned your credential and you can show the rest of the world. Simply right-click on the badge of choice, save it to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it, and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
Hazardous Materials / Dangerous Goods Transportation Credentials
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager
Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner
Certified Dangerous Goods Professional
Associate Hazardous Materials Manager
Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer
Student Certified Hazardous Materials Manager
EHS / Workplace Safety Credentials
Certified Safety & Health Manager
Certified Safety Management Practitioner
Associate Safety & Health Manager
Student Associate Safety & Health Manager
Certified School Safety Manager
Microcredentials
Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist
IHMM Certificant Recognition
Throughout our certificant’s MYIHMM accounts are placed 10-year, 20-year, 30-year, and 40-year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
With a link from your credential badge to the IHMM website [see above] you can not only stand out as an IHMM-certified professional, you can also promote IHMM credentials to others. Right-click on the badge of choice, save as to your computer, then load it to whatever medium you choose.
IHMM has Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MYIHMM database. These two badges are accompanied by lapel pins sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
IHMM is in all 50 of the United States and in 85 countries around the World.
IHMM Credentials Accredited By
Need Help? On the IHMM website just click on the “NEED HELP?” button
and let us know what you need and the right person will get right back with you.
IHMM RECENT NEWS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/DANGEROUS GOODS
COP29: Revisiting key themes from the first week
New Jersey BPU Proposes Substantial Changes to Community Solar Rules
EPA Announces New Civil Fee Schedule
PHMSA 60-day supplemental notice providing for additional opportunity for public comment on its development of general investigative questions that may be used by PHMSA’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS)
Transport Canada published new guidance related to the storage, handling, and transport of Picric Acid. Dry Picric Acid
UNECE – ECOSOC Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Summary of Paper [11/25-Dec 3, 2024]
PHMSA 49 CFR Quick Reference Guide
DDR battery determination of HMR applicability (24-0034) (October 16, 2024)
Placarding Combustible and Corrosive Materials (24-0003) (October 9, 2024)
The Looming Threat to Associations of Tax Reform
Metro Site wins $31M settlement after lithium-ion battery fire
Oregon DEQ rejects CAA’s second draft plan
Hydrogen hubs test new federal environmental justice rules
Recycling Batteries With Citric Acid
Four Global Policies Could Eliminate More Than 90% of Plastic Waste and 30% of Linked Carbon Emissions by 2050
‘Game Changer’ in Lithium Extraction: Researchers Develop Novel Electrochemical Reactor
Pathogens Which Cling to Microplastics May Survive Wastewater Treatment
Carbon Recycling Instead of Plastic Trash
Inland Delaware Watersheds Impaired by Human Waste
Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions
1,4-Dioxane; Supplement to the Risk Evaluation and Revised Unreasonable Risk Determination Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Notice of Availability
Biden-Harris Administration Makes Unprecedented Progress to Protect Communities from PFAS Pollution
2024 U.S. Election Implications
EPA Releases Third Annual PFAS Strategic Roadmap Report
Unexpected Court Ruling Raises Substantial Questions About National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulations
D.C. Circuit Throws Out Over 40 Years of NEPA Regulation
Leadership Changes Coming to EPA and Environmental Committees in Congress; TSCA Fees Due to Be Reauthorized by 2026
PFAS Questions Every Company Needs to Ask Now: Have Any of Our Products Contained PFAS? Do We Use PFAS at Any of Our Facilities?
Shell Wins Appeal in Dutch Climate Ruling
CalEPA Seeks Statewide Extreme Heat Ranking System Info
Transport Canada Training Guidance
On whose authority? EPA asserts right to regulate DOT-governed activities
Hot Topics In Nuclear Waste (Podcast) – Waste Management – Environment – United States
EU chemical regulation REACH faces obstacles despite successes
Hazmat vehicles under the scanner: 5-day inspection blitz conducted by Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Over 85% of commercial vehicles pass inspection during unannounced hazardous materials safety campaign
How is the rail transport of dangerous goods evolving?
EHS/WORKPLACE SAFETY
Colorado highway work zone deaths reportedly up 75%
Confusion, lack of clarity over head gear poses safety risks
Tariff concerns loom over construction input prices
How will a second Trump administration affect transportation policy?
Infrastructure funds will continue to flow: PCL CEO
6 ways ERP supercharges construction cash flow
What makes a great people manager?
The IIJA funding — set to end in 2026 — only makes a dent in the country’s infrastructure needs
Construction injury rate drops to lowest in over a decade
Trump White House likely to abandon OSHA heat safety rule
FHWA updates work zone safety rule for first time in 20 years
Building Trust in Safety
Combustible dust: A hazard lying in wait
Read the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, 2023.
’I don’t care about looking weird’: Young adults see dangers of hearing loss, need for PPE
AIHA introduces comprehensive resources to enhance worker protections
Massachusetts contractor’s safety failures led to employee’s crushing death
7 Ways Construction Companies Can Use Tech for Future Success
Texas Court Strikes Down Federal Overtime Rule (Again)
Retail Workers Feel Unprepared for Workplace Violence Despite Training, Survey Finds
Kenosha parents and students raise concerns about school safety and demand action
The New Face of K-12 School Safety
GAO Urges OSHA to Address Ergonomic Hazards in E-Commerce Warehouses, Deliveries
Revolutionizing Hazard Identification with AI
OSHA reveals Top 10 safety violations for 2024
Respirator Selection Guide for the Healthcare Industry
White Paper: A Sustainably Safer Tomorrow for Utilities
On the Safe Side podcast Episode 57: Post-disaster worker safety and combustible dust
OSHA rule on PPE fit requirements in construction is under White House review
As date for DOT rule on oral fluid drug testing nears, will labs be certified?
FACE Report: Manufacturing laborer falls from elevated pallet
New translation app connects employers, workers and Cal/OSHA
Recordable vs. Reportable: Understanding the Difference
OSHA’s General Duty Clause
Extreme weather protections
ANSI/ASSP Z359.2-2023 Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program
Inside IHMM
United States Congress Recognizes IHMM
IHMM is pleased to announce that thanks to Maryland 8th District Congressman Jamie Raskin, the Congress of the United States has recognized IHMM on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
We thank Congressman Raskin for leading this effort, and for recognizing the outstanding certified professionals of IHMM.
400,000 Per Month
400,000 is the number of messages sent from IHMM each month to thousands of private and public sector entities to raise the visibility of IHMM, IHMM credentials, and IHMM credential holders.
Whether for Sophia Garcia in California or Adeel Iqbal Wain in Pakistan who both just passed their CHMM exams, or Kevin Earp, CSSM who is our recent Certificant Spotlight, or Chris Johnsen and Eric Bentson who just passed their Student ASHM exams and the thousands in between in 50 states and 85 countriues, we believe in promoting IHMM’s certificants and their achievements.
One day at a time, IHMM’s mission includes building understanding in 50 states and in 85 counytries around the world of the critically important role IHMM’s credentials and ourm credential holders play as IHMM sets standards of excellence for professional credentials to advance the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice.
400,000 Per Month
IHMM Announces 2025 Board Re-Election of Morgan Hyson and New Election of Benjamin Frizzell, CHMM
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) is pleased to announce the re-election of Morgan Hyson to the IHMM Board of Directors’ Public Member seat and the new election of Benjamin Frizzell, CHMM to the CHMM seat.
Mr. Morgan Hyson has held a varied career across many fields and disciplines ranging from civil litigation to nuclear nonproliferation policy. He currently works as a Foreign Affairs Officer for the US Department of State overseeing complex US-funded overseas projects and programs. Hyson brings to the Board a depth of historical knowledge and wisdom concerning the Institute’s operations and the keen eye of an experienced program officer to help facilitate and direct the Institute’s future endeavors—exhibiting strength in financial decision-making and progressive goal planning. “I care deeply about IHMM’s future. I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to continue to serve this incredible and worthy mission,” says Hyson.
Mr. Benjamin Frizzell, who currently serves as the Manager of Industrial Hygiene for BNSF Railway, has many years of experience managing exposure-related hazards such as mold, asbestos-containing materials, bloodborne pathogens, electromagnetic fields, nuisance wildlife, and more. Entering the most effective time of his career, Frizzell is committed to growing opportunities for all professionals across the spectrum of environmental, health, and safety. “My hope is to continue to promote the credentials of IHMM within a professional’s overall development and to strive to streamline those processes of IHMM and other EHS credentialing agencies to create the well-rounded, competent EHS professional,” says Frizzell.
“IHMM has a long and distinguished history within the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice. Together, we look forward to continuing the good work and building upon the foundation established forty years ago. I am honored to collaborate with such dedicated individuals who have an extraordinary zeal for their communities of practice. Much is yet to come for IHMM as we continue to effect change and develop future leaders,” says Eugene A. Guilford, Jr., CAE, IHMM Executive Director.
About IHMM
A not-for-profit organization founded in 1984, the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) has been protecting the environment and the public’s health, safety, and security through the administration of credentials recognizing professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, expertise, and excellence in the management of hazardous materials, dangerous goods transportation, environmental protection, health & safety.
Northern Illinois University Joins Student CHMM Program
The IHMM Student CHMM Committee, chaired by Meg Rose Olsen, CHMM, CIT, is pleased to announce that Northern Illinois University has joined the Student CHMM program.
We welcome Northern Illinois University to the growing number of colleges and universities that support the Student CHMM program by encouraging their students to pursue IHMM’s Student CHMM credential while engaged in their undergraduate or graduate studies. The Student CHMM program is backed by IHMM’s Dr. John H. Frick Memorial Scholarship Program which annually makes $32,000 available to eligible Student CHMMs and Student ASHMs. IHMM is proud to have created and supported the Student CHMM program and Scholarship to advance students pursuing their future careers in the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice.
The Student CHMM Committee oversees the future development of and engagement with the Student CHMM including, but not limited to; changes in the Student CHMM handbook, the Student CHMM examination, and item bank, soliciting new colleges and universities to participate in the Student CHMM program, and Student CHMM community in Collaboration and its Mentor Match program. The Student CHMM webpage is found here.
IHMM – AHMP Sign New Affiliation Agreement
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) and the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP) have signed a new affiliation agreement for the next year. This partnership aims to provide mutual benefits to both organizations’ members, including outreach, communication, and professional development opportunities. The collaboration will focus on promoting IHMM credentials and certification programs, as well as offering networking and educational opportunities from AHMP.
IHMM thanks the AHMP leadership and its members for this important collaboration.
IHMM Releases 2024 Salary Survey Results
IHMM is pleased to release the 2024 survey of salaries underlying the hazardous materials/dangerous goods credentials salaries by job totle, as well as the 2024 survey of salaries underlying the workplace safety credentials salaries by job title. You may download these surveys as linked below.
IHMM Enters Its 40th Year
On December 3, 1984 the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management was created with the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager® [CHMM®] credential. John H. Frick, Harold M. Gordon, John J. McCambridge, and Richard A. Young created what would become an Institute that offers 11 professional credentials across Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods and EHS Work Place Safety communities of practice in all 50 of the United States and 85 other countries.
IHMM thanks its hundreds of volunteer leaders, thousands of certificants and companies who support IHMM through strengthening its ability to extend its reach and allow us all to live up to why we exist our vision, and our mission…
Why We Exist
We believe there is only one Earth; our passion is to protect it.
Our Vision
IHMM credentials and competency standards are embraced worldwide
Our Mission
IHMM sets standards of excellence for professional credentials to advance the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
Reception & Celebration • December 3, 2024 • 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
9200 Corporate Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850
IHMM requests the honor of your company on December 3, 2024, for our 40th Anniversary Reception & Celebration, to be held in Rockville, MD.
Join us to observe our shared history and recognize those who have contributed to the Institute’s advancement. Food and drinks will be provided.
The program will include opening remarks from the Institute’s leadership and esteemed guests, an awards ceremony, and more.
40 Year Members
- Paul L. Errico, CHMM
- Ronald D. Schaible, CHMM
- John P. Coniglio, CHMM
- Fred Ellerbusch, CHMM
- John F. Podojil, CHMM
- Michael H. Ziskin, CHMM
- B. Bryant Slimp, Jr., CHMM
Awards in Service to the Institute
- Brendan Deyo, CHMM, CHMM Examination Committee Chair
- Atanu Das, CHMM, CHMM Recertification Committee Chair
- Kevin Herron, CHMP, CHMP Scheme Committee Chair
- Cliff Bartley, CDGP, CDGP Scheme Committee Chair
- Adrianne Borgias, CHMM, IHMM Textbook Committee Executive Editor
Craig Saperstein, Partner, Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman
Washington, D.C.
Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Senior Vice President for Public Policy, ASAE
Washington, D.C.
The Dr. John H Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship Program – CLOSED FOR 2024
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management is pleased to have created $32,000 in academic scholarships, divided equally between $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student CHMMs, and $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student ASHMs.
IHMM seeks to foster the growth and academic success of students whose courses of education, and participation in one of our Student certifications, will lead to those students becoming fully-certified IHMM credential holders later in their professional lives.
Go to > https://ihmm.org/scholarship/
Creating a Collaborative Culture
There are 1,499 different conversations going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? We created the COLLABORATION platform to enable our certificants to network, learn, and grow from one another.
This is where we collaborate with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another lessen the stress of our jobs and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
You can collaborate here.
Access to COLLABORATION is through the same username/password you use to access your MYIHMM account. Are you having a problem? Contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected]
#1 – Recertification Video
#2 Recertification Video
IHMM Recertification Videos
IHMM is pleased to release two YouTube instructional videos about navigating the IHMM recertification process. These step-by-step videos easily enable IHMM certificants to start and complete a recertification application.
While the full recertification cycle is 5 years, IHMM encourages all certificants to start a recertification application and add certification maintenance points as they are earned to make the final submission quick and easy to accomplish.
Full recertification information is found here >> https://ihmm.org/credentials/#recertification
Questions about your recertification may be made to either Jimmy Nguyen [email protected] of Jelian Larbi [email protected]
IHMM Code of Ethics
The IHMM Code of Ethics is essential as it serves as a navigational compass that guides us all in making decisions that align with shared values and ethical principles. It provides a framework for behavior that helps to maintain integrity, trust, and respect in professional and personal interactions. For professional certificants, adhering to the IHMM Code of Ethics is a certification requirement, ensuring that your actions meet industry standards and public expectations. In the business world, a Code of Ethics enhances our reputation, fosters a positive work environment, and promote accountability and continuous improvement in ethical conduct. Moreover, a Code of Ethics helps us navigate morally complex situations, ensuring that our actions are legally and safely grounded in our core values, such as honesty, accountability, and compassion. Ultimately, our Code of Ethics is about committing to a set of principles that not only guide one’s actions but also define one’s character and professional identity.
Everyone sees the IHMM Code of Ethics and signs an adherence statement on making application for one of our credentials. Every existing certificant sees the Code of Ethics again upon recertification and takes a short quiz on the IHMM Code of Ethics.
See the IHMM Code of Ethics video here:
IHMM CONFERENCES For 2024
IHMM attended and supported a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2024. In 2024 IHMM participated in the Bay Area ASSP conference, AIHA Conference & Trade Show, Modern Day Marine Conference, ASSP Annual Conference, AHMP Conference, Environmental Navigator Conference, National Safety Council Conference, and FET.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that are not named here? If so, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
IHMM – 33 Mentors Available for You
IHMM Fellows Committee Chair Atanu Das, CHMM, is leading the effort within the IHMM Collaboration networking platform to engage 26 IHMM Fellows as Mentors and anyone seeking assistance as Mentees.
Given Fellows’ extraordinary experience, this is a unique opportunity for IHMM Fellows to help guide more recent certificants in their professional development activities. This article from ASAE magazine outlines how a mentoring program can become more successful – engagement!
IHMM’s Collaboration platform contains a “Mentor Match” module [see below at right] that allows mentors to signup designating the hours, number of mentees, subject areas, and length of time they wish to mentor – as well as enabling mentees signup requesting assistance in specified areas. The mentor match module does the rest by matching mentors and mentees.
IHMM Organizing Broader Government Affairs Activities – Call for Volunteers
In strategic planning on August 17, 2023 IHMM created a strategic imperative to create a broader government affairs operation on behalf of, and with the assistance of, all of IHMM’s certificants.
- Federal Government – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching Federal regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - Federal Government – Congress
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in Congress.
- State Governments – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching state regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - State Governments – Legislatures
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in state legislatures.
If you want to make a difference in the recognition of your credentials and build on the successful record we have achieved thus far – we need you to volunteer. Learn more by visiting our Government Affairs Committee page, and get involved with government affairs. You can volunteer for one, two, three or all four of the segments of the committee’s work. That’s up to you!
IHMM Government Affairs
Washington’s Landscape Changes in January 2025 – Part Two
- Republican Donald J. Trump was elected President on November 5th.
- Republicans in races for the U.S. House have taken the majority with 218 seats with Democrats controlling 212, with 5 seats still to be decided. Speaker Mike Johnson [R-LA 4th CD] will return as Speaker of the House. Republicans will command the Chairs of Committees and set the agenda for the next House of Representatives, beginning January 3, 2024. Democrats elected Hakeem Jeffries [D-NY, 8th CD] as their Minority Leader.
- Republicans in races for the U.S. Senate have won control of the Senate by picking up a net of 4 seats, controlling the Senate with 52 members to the Democrats 47, with the Senate race in Pennsylvania yet to be called. Republicans have elected Senator John Thune [R-SD] as Majority Leader of the Senate to replace Mitch McConnell, with Democrats having elected Senator Chuck Schumer [D-NY] as their Minority Leader.
Major Issues
- Tax Code. Many promises were made concerning the tax code in the election campaigns, with some focus on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and its expiring provisions in 2025. Among the Trump Administration’s priorities are to extend the 2025 expiring provisions, as well as add exemptions from federal income taxes; tip wages, overtime pay, and social security. Further, Trump floated the idea of replacing the entire revenue stream generated by the tax code with tariffs on imported goods. The U.S. imported $3,8 trillion of goods in 2023, and to replace the tax code revenue with tariffs would require a tariff rate of around 70%. Whether possible, feasible or not, watch for these ideas to be floated in legislation in 2025.
- Budget. The federal budget is approximately $6 trillion. Trump has asked Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, two campaign supporters, to identify $2 trillion in cuts to the federal budget as the country faces a $35 trillion national debt. 50% of the $6 trillion is Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. 20% of the $6 trillion is interest on the national debt. 13.3% of the $6 trillion is national defense. Those three categories comprise 83.3% of the entire federal budget.
- Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. Trump will nominate former Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin of New York to become his EPA Administrator. Expect Zeldin to pursue rolling back regulations, increasing energy dominance, and giving more incentives for fossil fuel industries. Expect Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords, and scale back EPA’s efforts in the areas of climate and reducing EPA’s budget.
- Regulatory Reform. Trump supporters Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are also looking for Executive Branch agencies to eliminate or scale down, reducing the size of the federal workforce. On January 20, 2025, expect incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to issue instructions to all federal agencies to freeze all new regulatory proposals until the Trump appointees are in place. Next will come Executive actions repealing executive orders issued by President Biden, followed by legislative proposals to the Republican majorities in Congress to reduce federal agencies and employee counts by legislative action where necessary.
In discussing the tax and budget issues alone in this article, we believe the next 12 months will be unlike any 12-month period in America since the enactment of the 16th amendment to the Constitution in 1913.
IHMM Proposes Changes in Government Recognition of Credentials
1. IHMM Sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, concerning the uses of professionally credentialed persons performing work for the Park Service.
2. IHMM Signs Letter Opposing Reductions in OSH Worker’s Pay – The IHMM Government Affairs Committee has agreed to sign a coalition letter opposing reductions in pay for IH and OSH employees. Here is the coalition letter we signed.
3. IHMM submitted comments on OSHA Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH): Notice of Meetings concerning OSHA-2024-0002-0007, and highlighted the creation of IHMM’s Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist [CPPS] credential.
4. State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to update Chapter 851, Standards for Generators of Hazardous Waste. In the current regulation, work is required by a professional engineer. IHMM is proposing to include an environmental professional as defined by 40 CFR §312.10.
All IHMM Government Affairs Projects Are Here
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree Deakins
Looking Ahead to 2025. The U.S. Congress is back this week for its lame-duck session, but even with a lengthy to-do list, all eyes are on 2025, as the labor, employment, and immigration policy landscapes are already coming into clearer focus after last week’s elections. Here are the latest post-election developments:
- Congressional leadership. This week, Republicans began the process of sorting out their leadership ranks for the 119th Congress. In the U.S. Senate, Republicans elected John Thune of South Dakota to be Senate majority leader in the 119th Congress. It has been eighteen years since anyone other than Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has led Republicans in the Senate. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson (R-LA) will be the Republicans’ nominee for Speaker of the House in a floor vote that will happen in January (you may remember how those votes went last year). Neither Thune nor Johnson has much experience with labor and employment policy, as neither has served on the relevant committees in the Senate or House. However, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) will chair the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) after serving as ranking member in the current Congress. Cassidy is well-versed on the labor and employment issues that are important to the business community.
- Recess appointments. This past weekend, President-elect Trump wrote on social media that he wanted Republican leadership in the Senate to be willing to go along with presidential recess appointments. Normally, the president appoints senior-level officials to federal agencies on the advice and consent of the Senate. An exception to this rule is the Recess Appointments Clause, which allows the president “to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate” without confirmation by the Senate. The rule was designed to ensure the continuity of vital government functions because unlike today, at that time, the Senate would often go months without convening. Presidents since George Washington have used the recess appointment power, though neither Trump nor President Joe Biden have made recess appointments due to the 2014 Noel Canning decision in which a unanimous Supreme Court of the United States held that shorter recess periods of three days are insufficient to permit recess appointments. Trump’s demand, therefore, would not only require Republican senators to abdicate their own constitutional authority, but it would also require the Senate to adjourn for periods of sufficient length (i.e., more than ten days) to satisfy the Noel Canning test. Keep in mind, too, that appointments to the federal agencies and judiciary require only a majority vote, and Republicans are in the majority.
NLRB Case “Flurry” Turning Into Blizzard. The Biden-era National Labor Relations Board NLRB) will not go gentle into that good night. With Chair Lauren McFerran’s term on the Board expiring in a matter of weeks, and her potential reconfirmation vote perhaps hanging in the balance, the Board has issued two decisions that overturn decades of Board precedent to severely restrict employers’ ability to communicate with employees.
- Late last week, the Board ruled that employers could violate the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) by notifying employees that unionization would restrict their ability to address workplace concerns directly with the employer. The decision overturns a forty-year-old NLRB precedent. Daniel A. Adlong and Zachary V. Zagger have the details
- In the second case, the Board overturned a 1948 decision that clarified employers’ abilities to hold mandatory employee meetings to discuss the pros and cons of unionization. Prohibiting such meetings has been a priority for NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. The Board majority brushed aside the First Amendment, as well as the provision in the National Labor Relations Act allowing for “[t]he expressing of any views, argument, or opinion,” to rule that these meetings interfere with employees’ rights to engage in protected, concerted activity. Member Marvin Kaplan dissented, writing, “Here, the conflict between the majority’s prohibition of captive-audience speeches and the [First Amendment to the] Constitution is manifest and irreconcilable.” John T. Merrell and Zachary V. Zagger have the details.
Federal Court Strikes Down “Parole in Place” Program. Late last week, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas set aside and vacated President Biden’s “parole in place” program that was intended to permit certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident while remaining in the United States. The court ruled that the Immigration and Nationality Act addresses “parole ‘into the United States,’ not parole ‘in place.’ As shown by statutory text, structure, history, and purpose, that limiting phrase refers to a legal entry into this country.” If the federal government appeals the order, the Trump administration is unlikely to continue to defend the rule.
Reassessing Recess. While President-elect Trump’s insistence on recess appointments is perhaps unusual, the actual practice of a president making recess appointments, as noted above, has been happening since President George Washington. In the last several decades alone, President Ronald Reagan made 240 recess appointments, President George H. W. Bush made 77 recess appointments, President Bill Clinton made 139 recess appointments, President George W. Bush made 171 recess appointments, and President Barack Obama made 32 recess appointments. Presidents have used recess appointments to install nine Supreme Court justices, including three by President Dwight D. Eisenhower: Chief Justice Earl Warren and Associate Justices William J. Brennan and Potter Stewart. (All three were later confirmed by the Senate.)
Regulatory Updates
IHMM Drafts Comments – OSHA – Proposed Rule to Protect Indoor and Outdoor Workers from Extreme Heat
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a proposed rule that would protect approximately 36 million workers in indoor and outdoor work settings from extreme heat. The proposed rule would require employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan to control heat hazards in workplaces affected by excessive heat. Among other things, the plan would require employers to evaluate heat risks and — when heat increases risks to workers — implement requirements for drinking water, rest breaks and control of indoor heat. It would also require a plan to protect new or returning workers unaccustomed to working in high heat conditions.
IHMM has initiated the process of collecting comments from its Government Affairs Committee concerning this proposed regulation and intends on submitting comments on or before December 13, 2024. Any IHMM certificant who wishes to submit comments to IHMM is encouraged to do so by sending an email to Gene Guilford at [email protected]
49 CFR Updated
CFR 49 regulations, which cover transportation rules including hazardous materials, are updated once a year with a new edition typically published on October 1st by the Government Printing Office; this means the regulations are updated annually, reflecting changes made throughout the year. This 49 CFR was up-to-date as of November 14, 2024.
Hazardous Materials: Information Collection Activities
Action
Notice and request for comments.
Summary
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, PHMSA is publishing a 60-day supplemental notice and providing an additional opportunity for public comment on its development of general investigative questions that may be used by PHMSA’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) field operations personnel when investigating potential general safety issues. These questions are intended to facilitate fact-gathering efforts during general investigations related to PHMSA’s safety oversight responsibilities. Answering these questions would be voluntary and not impose any new reporting or recordkeeping requirements on regulated entities. Rather, the goal is to develop a pool of questions that can be tailored as appropriate based on the specific circumstances of a general investigation that is not related to the inspection of an individual company or entity for compliance with the hazardous materials regulations.
EPA Clarifies E-Manifest Rules
In a new final rule, the agency issued a set of technical corrections to portions of its regulations dealing with the relatively new e-manifest program. The corrections mainly deal with export programs.
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or (the Agency) is making four minor corrections to a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on July 26, 2024. The final rule related to regulatory changes to incorporate export manifests and other manifest-related reports (i.e., Discrepancy, Exception, and Unmanifested Waste Reports) into e-Manifest as well as other changes related to manifests, including for polychlorinated biphenyls under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
DATES: This final rule is effective on January 22, 2025.
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Manufacture of Certain PFAS during Fluorination of HDPE and Other Plastic Containers
Deadline: November 29, 2024
On September 30, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested public comment on the manufacture of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), during the fluorination of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and other plastic containers to inform regulations as appropriate under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 89 Fed. Reg. 79581. EPA notes that this request for comment follows its grant on July 10, 2024, of a TSCA Section 21 petition requesting that EPA establish regulations under TSCA Section 6 prohibiting the manufacturing, processing, use, distribution in commerce, and disposal of PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA formed during the fluorination of plastic containers. Comments are due November 29, 2024. This is a unique situation because it is unclear whether EPA has the authority under TSCA Section 6 to move straight to rulemaking, given the available fact set. For more information and our insightful Commentary, please read the full memorandum.
Canada Begins Public Consultations on Initiatives Supporting CEPA Amendments
On October 5, 2024, Canada released three significant documents that move it closer to implementing the 2023 amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The 2023 legislation, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act (Bill S-5), requires that decisions made under CEPA respect the right to a healthy environment. Canada has released a draft implementation framework setting out how the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) will consider the right in administering CEPA. The bill also requires the creation of a publicly available “Watch List” of substances determined to be capable of becoming toxic under CEPA to inform Canadians and businesses of substances that they may wish to avoid. Canada has published a proposed Watch List Approach that will inform the process and considerations for substances to be included on the Watch List. The bill directs the ministers to develop a new plan of chemical management priorities and will propose a new regime to manage toxic substances of highest risk. Canada has published a proposed plan of priorities under CEPA. Comments on each of the three documents are due December 4, 2024. For further information on these three documents, please read the full memorandum.
EPA Proposes to Add 16 PFAS and 15 PFAS Categories to the TRI List of Chemicals
Deadline: December 9, 2024.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed on October 8, 2024, to add 16 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories representing more than 100 individual PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of toxic chemicals subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) to comply with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA). 89 Fed. Reg. 81776. The proposed rule also addresses how PFAS categories should be treated. Separately, the proposed rule discusses what events may trigger the automatic addition of a PFAS to the TRI pursuant to the NDAA. EPA notes that this discussion does not propose to list chemicals to the TRI pursuant to the NDAA, but rather describes what EPA documents and activities involving PFAS would trigger an automatic addition under the NDAA. Comments are due December 9, 2024. According to EPA, comments on the information collection provisions submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) are best assured of consideration by OMB if OMB receives a copy of the comments by November 7, 2024. For more information, please read the full memorandum.
Addition of Certain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
Deadline: December 9, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 16 individually listed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of toxic chemicals subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the Pollution Prevention Act. EPA also addresses how PFAS categories should be treated and discusses what events may trigger the automatic addition of a PFAS to the TRI. Comments due December 9.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 16 individually listed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of toxic chemicals subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) to comply with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA). EPA also addresses how PFAS categories should be treated. Separately, EPA discusses what events may trigger the automatic addition of a PFAS to the TRI pursuant to the NDAA. This discussion does not propose to list chemicals to TRI pursuant to the NDAA, but rather describes what EPA documents and activities involving PFAS would trigger an automatic addition under the NDAA.
DATES:
Comments must be received on or before December 9, 2024. Comments on the information collection provisions submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) are best assured of consideration by OMB if OMB receives a copy of your comments on or before November 7, 2024.
ADDRESSES:
Submit your comments, identified by docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2023-0538, through https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Do not submit electronically any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at https://www.epa.gov/dockets.
Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR 2025)
Adopted on 30 September 1957 in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the ADR entered into force on 29 January 1968.
This authoritative Agreement is intended to increase the safety of international transport of dangerous goods by road. Its Annexes A and B contain the technical requirements for road transport, i.e. the conditions under which dangerous goods, when authorized for transport, may be carried internationally, as well as uniform provisions concerning the construction and operation of vehicles carrying dangerous goods. They also establish international requirements and procedures for training and safety obligations of participants.
The Agreement has been regularly amended and updated since its entry into force. This version has been prepared on the basis of amendments applicable as from 1 January 2025.
For more information on this agreement, visit the ADR section.
ECE/TRANS/352
Complete set of two volumes
Sales # E/F/R.25.VIII.1
ISBN: 978-92-1-003149-3 (English)
eISBN: 978-92-1-106436-0 (English)
Languages: English, French, Russian
Corrigenda to this publication: Corr. 1
This publication can be obtained from distributors of United Nations Publications or from the Sales Office (see how to order). The non-editable electronic files will be uploaded to this website from January 2025
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Methylene Chloride Standard
Deadline: December 13, 2024
The agency published an ICR related to its Methylene Chloride standard. This chemical is hazardous but widely used in industry, so OSHA closely monitors safety standards. The regulation of methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is primarily governed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). .
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). .
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). .
These regulations aim to protect public health and the environment by reducing exposure to this hazardous chemical.
DOT Publishes Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Electronic Signatures, Forms and Storage for Drug and Alcohol Testing Records
Deadline: December 16, 2024
On October 15, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register proposing to amend its regulations for conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing for the federally regulated transportation industry to allow, but not require, electronic signatures on documents required to be created and utilized under the regulations, the use of electronic versions of forms, and the electronic storage of forms and data.
The regulatory changes would apply to DOT-regulated employers and their contractors (“service agents”) who administer their DOT-regulated drug and alcohol testing programs. Currently, employers and their service agents must use, sign and store paper documents exclusively, unless the employer is utilizing a laboratory’s electronic Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form system that has been approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. DOT is required by statute to amend its regulations to authorize, to the extent practicable, the use of electronic signatures or digital signatures executed to electronic forms instead of traditional handwritten signatures executed on paper forms.
Reconsideration of the Dust-Lead Hazard Standards and Dust-Lead Post-Abatement Clearance Levels
Deadline: January 13, 2025
As part of EPA’s high-priority efforts to reduce childhood lead exposure, and in accordance with a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2021 opinion, EPA is finalizing its proposal to lower the dust-lead hazard standards to any reportable level as analyzed by a laboratory recognized by EPA’s National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP). EPA’s lead-based paint (LBP) regulations do not compel property owners or occupants to evaluate their property for LBP hazards or to take control actions, but if a LBP activity such as an abatement is performed, then EPA’s regulations set requirements for doing so. EPA is also finalizing changes to lower the post-abatement dust-lead clearance levels to 5 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2 ), 40 µg/ft2 , and 100 µg/ft2 for floors, window sills and troughs respectively, the current levels in New York City. Due to feedback from public comments, EPA is also finalizing changes to the nomenclature to adopt the terms dust-lead reportable levels (DLRL) and dust-lead action levels (DLAL). Given the decoupling of the action levels from the reportable levels, EPA is finalizing revisions to the definition of abatement so that the recommendation for action based on dust-lead applies when dust-lead loadings are at or above the action levels, rather than the hazard standards, as has been the case historically. The dust-lead hazard standards will be described as DLRL moving forward ( i.e., after publication of this final rule) and the dust-lead clearance levels will be described as DLAL. Additionally, EPA is finalizing several other amendments, including revising the definition of target housing to conform with the statute.
DATES:
This final rule is effective January 13, 2025. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 13, 2025.
Federal Register here
PHMSA NPRM on HMR
Deadline: January 27, 2025
The agency published a new proposed rule (NPRM) that if adopted will modify certain provisions of the HMR related particularly to modal-specific requirements. The following are, according to PHMSA, some of the more important topics that feature proposed revisions:
• Rail tank car use requirements as recommended by the Rail Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC)
• Rail tank car and service equipment design approval requirements
• Highway cargo tank specifications and requalification requirements
• Marking requirements for cargo tanks that contain multiple petroleum distillate fuels.
Comments will be due no later than January 27th, 2025. See the details of this NPRM and find out how to comment here.
Professional Certification Coalition
While federal legislative action has been nearly non-existent throughout the fall given that Congress has been in recess for the election campaign, planning is well underway for legislative activity in 2025, regardless of which political party controls the lever of power. In particular, congressional Republicans have been hard at work preparing for action on legislation to revise the tax code in 2025, in part due to the expiration of tax cuts implemented in 2017 (former President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). Earlier this month, the PCC – complementing a similar communication from PCC Steering Committee member ASAE – composed and transmitted a letter supporting our Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act to the House Ways & Means Committee “Republican Tax Teams” who are taking the lead in determining what legislation will comprise the tax-reform legislation package. Please find this letter attached. To be sure, key Members and staff are already well aware of the PCC’s support for this legislation via our frequent outreach to them, but this puts the PCC officially “on the record” that we are pushing for inclusion of the bill in the tax package for next year. At the same time, we are actively strategizing regarding the best ways to promote our legislation, including determining who could serve as co-leads on a newly introduced version of the bill in 2025, since our lead House Democrat, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and lead Senate Republican, Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), are both retiring from office at the end of the year to prepare campaigns for governor in their respective states.
IHMM is a member of the PCC. The PCC monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory activity affecting professional certification on an ongoing basis.
Expect new legislation being tracked in 2025 when new Legislatures convene:
Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition – Senate Action On IHMM-Supported Legislation
The Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition advocates for beneficial workforce development policy to strengthen the economy now and in the future.
The Coalition supports the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477), which would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and nongovernmental certifications; it would provide valuable tax-advantaged resources to more workers pursuing career growth, mid-career changes or alternative career pathways.
The Coalition is preparing for the new Congress sworn in on January 3, 2025, and the new President.
Join the Coalition today! Once your organization has joined the Coalition, we will send you a webinar registration link for you to attend.
S. 722 / H.R. 1477 / Coalition Roster
Important Stories for IHMM Certificants
Small factories, big fines: Tackling OSHA compliance
Small firms face higher average compliance costs, but understanding key safety standards and how to foster a strong safety culture can avoid employee injuries and hefty citations.
The majority of U.S. manufacturing firms are quite small. In 2021, roughly 98% of U.S. manufacturers had less than 500 employees, according to the National Association of Manufacturers, and three-quarters of firms had fewer than 20 employees.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) News and Information
The attorneys, scientists, regulatory specialists, and business consultants of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and our consulting affiliate The Acta Group (Acta®) relentlessly participate in and track developments regarding the global regulatory approach to PFAS. We offer this constantly updated library of PFAS resources to help those in the chemical and chemical products industry understand what they need to know and what it means to their business.
EPA and Other Agency PFAS links:
- Recording, transcripts, and slides from EPA webinar “TSCA Section 8(a)(7) Rule: Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for PFAS” held January 25, 2024
- EPA PFAS Resource Page
- EPA List of PFAS for TSCA Section 8(a)(7) Rule
- PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA’s Commitments to Action 2021-2024
- EPA PFAS Strategic Roadmap: Research Tools and Resources Webinar Archive
- EPA PFAS Resources, Data and Tools
- EPA PFAS Analytic Tools
- EPA Press Releases Related to PFAS
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) PFAS Resource Page
- OECD Portal on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency PFAS ban
Notice of Public Meetings: International Standards on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
PHMSA’s OHMS will be hosting public forums in advance of four international meetings to allow the public to give input on current proposals being considered by the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel (DGP) and the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UNSCOE TDG). The international meetings include:
- The 65th session of the UNSCOE TDG, is scheduled for November 25 to December 3, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.
School Resource Officer Video Series
School Resource Officers (SROs) play a key role in student safety, serving as advocates, educators, and protectors. This video series provides SROs with practical strategies to connect with students, understand their perspectives, and break down communication barriers to foster a positive presence in schools. Produced in partnership with Katherine Schweit, JD, at Schweit Consulting and Rocket Media Group, the series includes six short videos, each accompanied by an informational poster to reinforce key takeaways. Explore the videos and posters to strengthen your approach to building trust and ensuring a safe, supportive school environment.
Watch Now
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Empowering Education Leaders: A Toolkit for Safe, Ethical, and Equitable AI Integration
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology’s new Empowering Education Leaders Toolkit helps school leaders safely and equitably integrate AI into education. It provides steps for addressing issues like deepfakes, AI-generated school threats, and cyberbullying. The toolkit also offers guidance on protecting student privacy and data, ethical AI use, and presents an overview of federal laws and considerations. These are essential to anchoring and ensuring the use of AI in a safe, secure, and non-discriminatory manner. Explore the toolkit to learn about key considerations for AI in schools.
Learn More Here
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Creating a Culture of Support: Enhancing Staff Resilience in Emergency Situations
Available Now as an On-Demand Webinar
Emergency drills can be stressful for school staff, but integrating mental health support and breaking down safety silos can enhance resilience.
In this on-demand webinar, presenters from the Colorado School of Public Health share strategies for improving emergency drill systems through tailored training, staff feedback, and local resource identification. Participants will learn to customize training for their districts, facilitate effective feedback sessions, and implement changes based on staff input.
Watch Now Here
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OJJDP Launches New Curriculum
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) recently launched the Youth Hate Crimes and Identity-Based Bullying Prevention Curriculum, a key part of its initiative to address hate crimes and bullying. This 10-unit resource helps build protective factors in youth, change harmful behaviors, and educate professionals on using technology to reduce bias. It’s designed for youth-serving organizations, schools, and community groups to raise awareness and prevent identity-based bullying. Explore it today!
Learn More Here
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- 11/20 – Effective De-Escalation Strategies for School Resource Officers, Security Personnel, and School Staff in a K–12 Environment
Hosted by Safer Schools (IIR)
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Education
- Apply Now – U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Threat Evaluation and Reporting (NTER) Master Trainer Program (MTP)
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CISA Launches New Resource
Anonymous threats of violence, especially on social media, are common in K-12 schools. According to the FBI, schools faced over 6,000 such threats in 2022, causing fear, disrupting learning, and straining resources. To address this, CISA has released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, which helps schools, law enforcement, and communities respond to and prevent anonymous threats. Explore the toolkit to learn actionable steps for improving school safety. Learn more here.
Why OEHS Professionals Should Learn Data Analytics
Technological advancements have enabled occupational and environmental health and safety professionals to collect increasing amounts of monitoring data, generally to support day-to-day risk management decision-making. Many organizations now store this data electronically in large databases, which OEHS professionals have yet to exploit. Access to huge stores of data in electronic formats creates opportunities to turn these data into more useful information. Through summarizing, communicating, and drawing insights from monitoring data, OEHS professionals can help their organizations better understand risks and set priorities for improvement.
- ECHA to investigate new test method potentially replacing toxicity testing with fish
- New IUCLID service release published
- Consultations launched for applications for authorisation
- New substance evaluation conclusions published
- Assessment of regulatory needs report published
- Updated guidance on new CLP criteria
- New quality rules introduced in IUCLID update
- RAC opinion on the scientific evaluation of occupational exposure limits
- Biocides decision on Union authorisation
- New study on nanomaterial applications for agriculture
IHMM Credential Recognition
The highest priority of IHMM’s Government Affairs Committee is the recognition of IHMM’s credentials by government. We have made substantial progress in the two years we have undertaken this endeavor, as outlined in detail here > https://ihmm.org/credential-recognition/
In this project we have 45-in-5, increasing the number of states that recognize IHMM credentials.
- We have already succeeded in 13 states – New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Ohio, North Dakota, and Georgia. [Red states in the map above]. These are states where IHMM credentials are cited or 40 CFR 312.10 is cited by reference.
- We have partially succeeded in another 16 states – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. [Orange/Black Stripe states in the map above] These are states where the requirements of an “environmental professional” or QEP are cited that coincide with an IHMM credential so that relatively little work would need to be done to clarify the desired outcome.
- We have 21 states where no reference to an IHMM credential is made in either statute or regulation, nor is there anything defined in the area of an environmental professional. These states will require legislation or regulatory work. [Yellow states in the map above].
in January 2022 Gene Guilford released the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation that states a private certification that meets or exceeds the requirements of the regulation is an Environmental Professional under the regulation. Here is the crosswalk between the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM] blueprint. The CHMM meets or exceeds the requirements of an Environmental Professional.
Here’s what we ask each volunteer to do:
- Watch legislative and regulatory developments in your state that provide an opportunity for us to create amendments or other interventions
- Be willing to speak with regulators and legislators in your area about the recognition efforts we craft together
Sponsored Content
Retiring? IHMM Invites You to Become an Emeritus
You may have decided, after a long and successful career, to retire from active daily duty. Congratulations. That doesn’t mean you have to completely disengage from your profession. IHMM is pleased to offer Emeritus status to all certificants who will no longer be actively engaged in their communities of practice but who still want to stay in touch. Please let us know when you’re approaching that decision and we will assist you in the credential transition.
Please contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected] and he’ll be happy to help you.
News from IHMM Affiliates
Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals
IHMM is affiliated with AHMP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
AHMP News
- Save the date for the 2025 EHS HazMat Summit which will be held in Louisville, KY, on September 8-11, 2025
AHMP Webinars
National Safety Council
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
NSC News
- Survey examines retail employee views on workplace violence prevention
- Amid bird flu outbreaks, CDC pushes for PPE use on dairy farms
- OSHA rule on PPE fit requirements in construction is under White House review
- FHWA rule updates protections for workers and drivers in work zones
- Incident involving highwall collapse spurs MSHA safety alert
- Incomplete information can fuel misjudgment: study
NSC Webinars
- Nov 21 – Worker Participation: How to Motivate Your Team and Engage Employees in Safety
- Dec 5 – OSHA Training for General Industry: Reviewing the Elements for Select Topics
- Dec 12 – HazCom, Hazmat, HazWaste and HAZWOPER: Navigating OSHA, DOT and EPA chemical compliance
- Dec 17 – What Qualifies as De-energized Work? What to Know About Expected OSHA Guidance and Arc Flash
American Society of Safety Professionals
IHMM is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
ASSP News
- Dec 5 – Safety From the Top: Understanding Head Protection
- Feb 13-Mar 13 – Advanced Safety Management Methods
- Feb 13 – Mar 13 – Influential Leadership Skills
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Risk Assessment and Management for Safety Professionals
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Corporate Safety Management(25FEB27)
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Prevention through Design
- Feb 27 – Mar 27 – Safety Management I
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOCIETY
IHMM and HMS
The graphic to the left illustrates the relationship between IHMM and HMS. IHMM formed HMS to serve IHMM’s certificants. IHMM offers a variety of professional credentials and HMS creates education and training programs to serve the applicants and certificants of those credentials.
- Environmental Engineer III – Arkema Arkema is a premier provider of chemicals and materials. Pasadena, TX
- HSE Specialist – Arkema Arkema is a premier provider of chemicals and materials. Grand Rapids, MI
NPETE HazMat Training Courses for 2025
Some of these courses are 24 hours long and approved for 24 IHMM CMPs; some are 8 hours long and approved for 8 IHMM CMPs and are FREE to attend. They are available only as in-person training.
The May 20-22, 2025 programs with IHMM you may register directly with IHMM. For other venues, registrations contact Mr. Raymond Davis, CHMM, IHMM Fellow, NPETE US DOT PHMSA HMIT Grant Project Coordinator/Instructor at [email protected]
| May 20, 2025 | Rockville, MD In Person | ||
| May 21, 2025 | Rockville, MD In Person | ||
| May 22, 2025 | Rockville, MD In Person |
PMOSH Safety Webinar: The Science of Doubt- Making Decisions about Risk when Little is Known
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 1-2pm ET
Professional Master’s in Occupational Safety and Health (PMOSH) Safety Speakers Series – Thursday, November 21, 2024, 1-2pm ET
We invite you to join us on Thursday, November 21, from 1 – 2 p.m. (ET) for our next Safety Speaker Series webinar. Our speaker, Jenny Houlroyd, DrPH, CIH, Occupational Health Group Manager, Safety, Health, Environmental Services (SHES) at Georgia Tech, will examine how to conduct risk assessments when working with new or emerging chemicals/products where little to nothing is known about the long-term health impacts.
Participants will be taught the frameworks used by industrial hygienists to project risk, examine toxicological data, and research alternatives to chemicals that are identified as being high-risk.
[REGISTER NOW]
This webinar is presented by the Georgia Tech Professional Master’s in Occupational Safety and Health (PMOSH). If this email was forwarded to you, sign up to learn more about this hybrid master’s program.
Oklahoma State University Becomes an HMS Training Partner
IHMM is pleased to announce that Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology [CEAT], has become an HMS Training Partner. OSU brings its Environmental Management Certificate Program to us, which runs November 11-15, 2024.
| Nov 11-15, 2024 | OSU-Tulsa, OK |
University of Cincinnati, OSHA Training Institute, IHMM, and HMS’ New Training Partner Offers Courses for 2024
| Daily | Online |
Aarcher Institute, IHMM, and HMS’ New Training Partner Offers Courses for 2024
| Nov 19-22, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Dec 3-4, 2024 | Online and In Person | |
| Dec 10-12, 2024 | Online |
CHEMTREC, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
This week CHEMTREC has added its HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training to the HMS Daily Training schedule. This HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training is designed for individuals who need to refresh their existing 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification. This course meets the requirements outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 for 8 (eight) hours of annual refresher training for workers involved in the transport, storage, or handling of hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
See the CHEMTREC HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training here!
CHEMTREC, an HMS training partner, has had 7 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee. Thank you CHEMTREC, and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
| Daily | Ground Transportation for Carriers | Online |
| Daily | OSHA Hazard Communications Standard | Online |
| Daily | Shipping Lithium Batteries and Cells Training | Online |
| Daily | Hazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness Online Training Course | Online |
| Daily | IATA Dangerous Goods Online Training for Operations | Online |
| Daily | 49 CFR Training | Online |
| Daily | IATA Dangerous Goods Online Training for Operations Personnel | Online |
AIHA, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
American Industrial Hygiene Association [AIHA] an HMS training partner, has added its first of many courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs in support of IHMM certificants holding the CHMM, CHMP, CSHM, and CSMP credentials. Thank you, AIHA.
IATA, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
IATA, an HMS training partner, has had 3 more courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee. Thank you IATA and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Thank you, IATA for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs!
Bowen EHS, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
Bowen EHS, an HMS training partner, has had 4 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee, chaired by Diana Lundelius. Thank you Bowen EHS and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
| Daily | Online | |
| Daily | Online | |
| Daily | Online | |
| Daily | Online |
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Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
Easily Find Courses to Help You Pass IHMM Credential Exams
A core mission of HMS is education and training. Part of that mission includes assembling the best and most effective courses to assist IHMM applicants in passing their IHMM credential exams.
CDGP® Prep Course
CE-1112: CDGP® Exam Prep – Columbia Southern University – Available On Demand
CHMM® Prep Courses
- AHMP EHMM Course Dec 10-12, 2024
- Daily – CHMM® Online Review – Bowen
- Daily – CHMM® Prep Course – Institute of Safety & Systems Management
- Daily –Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMM®) Exam Prep – SPAN Exam Prep, Division of ClickSafety
CSHM™ Prep Courses
CSMP™ Prep Courses
IHMM and HMS Tie Exam Preparation Together for Applicants
Every IHMM certification that requires an examination has a section of its website entitled Examination Preparation.
Connected to the Examination Preparation panel is a companion panel that is Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam.
You see the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel from the CHMM site at left.
When you click on the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel it takes the applicant directly to the HMS site where all CHMM prep courses may be found and chosen.
For the 441 CHMM applicants IHMM had on October 1, 2024, all 441 applicants looking for CHMM prep courses could see and choose their favored CHMM exam prep course. If your course is not on the HMS platform, none of the 441 CHMM applicants could find you.
If you want your CHMM prep course on the HMS platform so it can be found by IHMM CHMM applicants, contact Gene Guilford at [email protected]
HMS Makes Finding Courses to Earn CMPs Easy
Every year more than 1,600 IHMM certificants have to recertify their credentials, evidenced their continuing commitment to improvement and learning to elevate their professional credential.
Earning Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs] is illustrated under Recertification of Your Credential, that includes the Recertification Claims Manual – Appendix A, that details all of the ways a certificant may earn CMPs > https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/
Having mastered that manual, how does an IHMM certificant find courses to earn CMPs?
HMS has made that simple and easy.
- Go to https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
- Scroll down until you see a row of buttons…click on the CMPs button
The system will then generate all of the courses on the HMS E&T platform with IHMM CMPs already attached.
The next developments by the HMS E&T committee will refine available courses’ CMPs by individual credential!
HMS Certified Dangerous Goods Professional [CDGP] Exam Prep
The Columbia Southern University/HMS CDGP prep course is found here on the Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] education and training website > https://hazmatsociety.org/training/ce-1112-cdgp-exam-prep/2022-02-02/
The CSU CDGP exam prep course is delivered entirely online and may be initiated by any CDGP applicant at any time. The CDGP applicant has up to 10 weeks to complete the prep course, though an extension of the 10 weeks may be requested from CSU directly. The CSU CDGP exam prep course contains 8 modules covering the 4 principle texts involved in the CDGP exam, as follows:
- UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, and
- International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions (ICAO TI), and
- International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), and the
- International Maritime Organization’s Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).
More information on the IHMM Certified Dangerous Goods Professional [CDGP] credential may be found here > https://ihmm.org/cdgp/
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
99% of IHMM certificants are aware of the Hazardous Materials Society, which we appreciate. IHMM established the Hazardous Materials Society in order to support and provide services to IHMM certificants.
Did You Know?
Your company’s membership dues for Associate Membership in the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS) are 100% tax-deductible and your participation directly supports scholarship and education/training opportunities for professionals working in hazmat and EHS. Joining as an Associate Member expresses your commitment and your company’s leadership in giving back to our professional community. Join today to claim your tax deduction for the 2020 tax year while expressing your company’s professional affiliation and accessing tools for your marketing and business development plans.
As an IHMM certificant, you pay no dues to take advantage of IHMM’s Foundation at HMS. We do appreciate IHMM’s certificants encouraging their companies to contribute.
To learn more about what HMS is doing now and what they are planning for the future, please see the new Member Benefits page here.
The Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] is a partner of Columbia Southern University.
Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
Benefits of a CSU Learning Partnership:
- 10% Tuition Discount
- Exclusive Scholarships
- Waived Application and Evaluation Fees
- Access the Career Services Department
For further assistance or additional information, contact Ernie Smith, [email protected]u, or call 251-923-4055
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society is IHMM’s Professional Association and HMS’ education and training website can be found here. These events are produced independently of IHMM, and their providers have no access to IHMM certification examinations or program information other than that which is publicly available.
IHMM AFFILIATIONS
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Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516